Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be more than a nuisance, as they may indicate an underlying problem or cause complications. At Vistasite Eye Care Inwood in Inwood, Manhattan, Vanessa Silva, OD, diagnoses and treats dry eyes to provide lasting relief. Schedule an appointment at the New York City office by calling or requesting an appointment online today. 

What are dry eyes?

If your tears don’t adequately lubricate your eyes or you produce low-quality tears caused by a disruption in tear film, dry eyes can develop. Dried-out eyes can cause irritation or even painful symptoms when left untreated. If you struggle with dry eyes and need relief, Vistasite Eye Care Inwood offers simple solutions. 

Which symptoms can dry eyes cause?

The following are symptoms of dry eyes:

• Stinging
• Burning
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision and other vision changes
• Scratchiness
• Gritty or sandy sensation in your eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Eye discharge

You might feel like there’s something in your eye (when there isn’t) because of dry eyes.

What are the different types of dry eye diseases?

There are several different types of dry eye diseases. Aqueous deficient dry eyes occur when the lacrimal glands don’t produce enough tears. If you have evaporative dry eyes, your tears evaporate too quickly. People with mixed dry eyes don’t produce enough tears, and their tear film is unstable.

Dr. Silva helps determine which type of dry eyes you have and how to best treat your condition. 

What are the risk factors for dry eyes?

Risk factors for developing dry eyes include:

• Sjögren’s syndrome
• Thyroid eye disease
• Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Aging
• Weather
• Excess screen time
• Contact lenses
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Some medications 
• Eye diseases
• Neurological disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Endocrine disorders
• Previous eye surgery

Left untreated, dry eyes could increase your risk of eye irritation, infections, vision problems, and eye damage — such as cornea scarring or ulcers. 

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

Dr. Silva completes a comprehensive eye exam to screen for dry eyes. She reviews your medical history and symptoms and uses a specialized light and microscope to evaluate your eyes. 

She also completes vision screening and may dilate your pupils using eye drops. Dr. Silva can measure the amount of tears your eyes produce and how quickly they evaporate. 

How are dry eyes treated?

Your personalized dry eyes treatment plan depends on the cause and may include:

• Ointments
• Eye drops
• Artificial tears
• Scleral contact lenses
• Plugs to reduce tear drainage
• Tear-stimulating medications
• Surgery
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements 
• Humidifier use
• Warm compress
• Lifestyle modifications

It’s helpful to avoid environmental dry eye triggers, such as smoke, wind, air vents, and outdoor allergens. Consider taking frequent breaks from screen time and blinking often to reduce dryness. 

Dry eyes are often a long-term condition that can be effectively managed to eliminate bothersome symptoms.

Schedule a dry eyes evaluation with Dr. Silva at Vistasite Eye Care Inwood by calling the office or booking an eye exam online today.